LindowGEOG1470

 Southwestern Europe When I got back home, my aunt, who's a Spanish teacher, asked if I wanted to chaperone her trip to Spain, so obviously I said yes! I couldn't not write about a place like this. I promise though this is my last entry.  Site 1: Basílica de la Sagrada Família. This is one of the most intricate designs I've ever come across. It was designed in 1884, built by Antoni Gaudí and Domènec Sugranyes. The long cone shaped towers are bell towers. As the years go on, more towers and levels are being created. Even now, in 2022 they are finding things to add. It just goes to show that you should never give up on becoming better. The Basilica is always making their Basilica better than before.  https://d2prydcqrq5962.cloudfront.net/image/journal/article?img_id=935221&t=1650883248918

  North America I know I said it was my last trip in my last post, but did you really believe me? I'll admit it, I'm addicted. Traveling does that to a person. Anyways, I promise I didn't go too far this time, this beautiful spot was on the way to home.  Site 1: Lake Moraine. The explorer that found this turquoise lake concluded that it was built from glaciers carving into it, but scientists now believe land slides did the most damage. It is located in Alberta, Canada in Banff. The reason I chose this place is really because I became obsessed with it in 6th grade and stuck with it. Now I can finally cross it off my bucket list. I even painted this exact lake during art. Now I know the real thing is so much better than a picture.  https://www.banfflakelouise.com/moraine-lake

 Oceania Its been quite the journey with y'all, but its time to go back to where it all started and hopefully encourage others to see what I saw, learn what I learned, and have a permanent jaw drop. I loved every minute of these trips and each of the sites I wrote about. Even when plans wouldn't work out, the experience was just more raw; I got to see people whose homes are my vacations in their groove. It allowed me to see the realness of some of their hardships, but also their successes. Oceania will always be my last destination on the most incredible explorations.  Site 1: Sydney Opera House. I'm a big fan of listening or watching performances because it means something more than what is first heard or seen. However, this Opera House in Sydney was beyond what I could've imagined. The design of the house itself is flabbergasting, let alone the quality of the shows and music. It is noticeable that it cost 102 million; everything is precise.  https://www.konnecthq.com...

 Southeast Asia I've used all the synonyms for amazing, beautiful, and experience I can find. Truly though, wherever the plane's wings can stretch to, the boat's oars reach, it is amazing, beautiful, and a great experience. Southeast Asia was no exception.  Site 1: In Cambodia, I had the pleasure of a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world. It is a very large temple along with a series of other sandstone buildings that once had a purpose in the 12th century. Built by a king of a dynasty that ruled a long time ago. The Angkor Wat is the core of the buildings that stretch over 400 acres. It was a lot to see in one trip, but definitely worth it for the amount of history I was told.  https://www.britannica.com/topic/Angkor-Wat     Site 2: The second place I chose to write about was a little quieter. Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. This is my kind of style trip because nothing can beat mother nature. This island is the biggest of 2,000 and is pop...

 South Asia I hold a very special place in my heart for this part of the world because I have a new connection with some of these sites I visited. It meant something more than just having fun trip, but rather it was more about what these places hold in historical value.  Site 1 : The Mother house of Missionaries. This house was built in Kolkata, India and the Missionaries of Charity were founded here by Mother Teresa. Her tomb remains here along with many of her former belongings that people can observe. She was made a Saint a few years ago after performing numerous great deeds for her God. However, the person she was and how she impacted the world, especially India, is recognized by more than just the religious. Personally, she was my confirmation saint and is my role model in life. My priest knew her when he was a boy growing up in Kolkata and has told me a lot about her, so I found it very cool to be standing in the same place she once did.  https://www.tripadvisor.com...

 East Asia I've been to many areas of the world, but nowhere seems to become any duller. The people, the culture, and the nature of each corner in this circular planet encourages me grow in knowledge, experience, and as a person. I thank East Asia for doing all this and more with these amazing places. Site 1: Namsan Tower. This certainly is a tower. I would compare it to the Space Needle in Seattle if I had to compare it to somewhere in the U.S. This tower is located in Seoul, South Korea, and is surrounded by tourist places and restaurants. What captured my attention were the thousands of love locks hooked to the railings of the tower, most forever. It became a symbol of a couple's or family's never-ending devotion and love to one each other to place a lock on this tower and throw away the key. I heard of this place from a movie, and I knew it would be a great place to study all the different kinds of locks people choose. Before it was a famous love lock tower, it was bui...

 Central Asia Now this is a slice of the world I've never heard about too much or ever put much thought into, but it is an underrated place. I will recommend people like you, my readers, check Central Asia out sometime. You won't regret it.  Site 1: Kaindy Lake. This site is special because it was formed by an earthquake in 1911. The earthquake rumbled up some of the Shan Mountain's surface and created a huge landslide that became Lake Kaindy's dam and birthplace. Rain eventually filled in the pot, and the trees are still standing underwater. The most turquoise water you'll ever see. Since this lake is close to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, it is unusual to find a place with its' serenity untarnished, this lake is one of few. I loved having a quiet place to enjoy the natural awe a mountain with surrounding turquoise waters provides.  https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kaindy-lake Site 2: The National Library of Tajikistan. I wanted to throw something...

  Eurasia  I've seen places in over half the world, but I never cease to be amazed. Every new site offers something incredible. Something to be learned, and cultures to dive into and dig up. History, tradition, and a new meaning to a place that won't be forgotten.  Site 1: St. Basil's Cathedral. Built in the mid 1500's, this special cathedral is famous for its extravagant colors, design, and shape. Ivan the Terrible ordered it to be built with nine temples within it. Many rulers have since wanted it to be theirs to transport wherever they go, such as Napoleon, because of the power its beauty has on a person. When looked down upon from the 156 foot top, a religious star is formed by the collection of domes. Just like any other antique building, it has been through many fires and loots but has always been restored. I could have stared, studying the design of this magnificent cathedral for days; it is a great idea for a trip to Moscow, Russia to stop here.  https://ree...

  Europe Europe. This area has been on my bucket list for a while. There were so many choices in each of the European countries it was hard to choose. It was beautiful in many different ways, and there was such a variety of landscape to see.  Site 1: The Parthenon was a wonderful choice, not only because it is a crazy cool temple that has survived for thousands of years, but also because its in Greece! Greece has the bluest water and whitest marble buildings, which were inspired by the Parthenon. The temple was dedicated to the Goddess Athena, that provided wisdom to the people of Greece in their tales. https://www.google.com/travel/things-to-do/see-all Site 2: The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City is a special place to go because of its beautifully painted ceilings. They were painted by Michelangelo in the 1500's. The Vatican City is the smallest country in the world because it is in Rome, but governed by the pope of the Catholic church. This place is surrounded by old, tr...

 Southwest Asia and Northern Africa This trip is taking a step further to the other side of the world. Southwest Asia and Northern Africa make up an unique area. I think that there are quite a few misconceptions when it comes to this part of the planet. Visiting these places helped me to realize its real beauty and style. Site 1: The Tabatabai House was built at the time of the Qajar dynasty, which was in  the late 19th century. I thought this house was a remarkably detailed work of art. There were 40 rooms, four courtyards and basements, along with many gardens. It was a pleasurable tour with lots to look at. I love how many places and homes in Iran have a certain style of tradition and design to be recognized by.  https://apochi.com/attractions/kashan/tabatabaei-house/   Site 2: The Mount of Olives. This particular spot is where Christians believe Jesus rose into heaven, also known as the ascension. Lots of history is contained on this hill. Now days, there are f...

 Sub-Saharan Africa   Africa's unique topography and wildlife has always interested me. This trip was mind-blowing, and such a learning experience for me. I'll never look at this region the same.  Site 1: Thebes, Egypt. The temple of Luxor. I never thought of Africa as a historical area, but the history there is so rich. The Egyptians temples and tombs along with traces of their civilization are everywhere in Egypt, and along the Nile. Dating back to as early as 1939 BCE, these detailed structures and works of art are crazy to imagine such early peoples building.  https://www.britannica.com/list/7-amazing-historical-sites-in-africa          Site 2: Of course, after imaging the wildlife I've heard so much about in Africa, I had to see it for myself somehow. I found Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa, and knew it would be perfect. Paul Kruger started this reserve in efforts to protect some of the wildl...

  The Caribbean I welcomed the Caribbean with open arms this past week. The tropical climate and ocean views made this region a great place to escape the freezing weather in Minnesota. I chose some unique spots to visit this time around, because who can go wrong with animals?! Site 1: The first was called Pig Beach. It is a designated place that attracts almost 6.62 million people a year. Of course you could guess that the beach has around 30 pigs that live and swim at the beach while relying on the tourists for food! This strange occurrence started back in the early 1990's when the nearby island, Staniel Cay, started farming with pigs. Long story short, the pigs were too stinky for the liking of the locals, and the farmers eventually brought them to the Pig Beach and fed them by a 10 minute boat ride each day. After a while, the pigs learned to swim to the boat so they could get fed faster and now-a-days the tourists love it. I took the most popular route from the Bahama's c...

 Latin America The third region I visited this month was the fourth largest region in the world. Chile was very welcoming and had the most spectacular mountain ranges to tackle!  Site 1: Match Picchu! This is a place I've been wanting to visit ever since I was a little girl researching the early civilization of the Incas in fifth grade. After all those years of learning about how the Incas survived, I finally got to walk in the same place they did thousands of years before. The Incas were some of the most advanced people for their time; they built over 100 buildings all made of stone in this particular hidden location. They learned about early astronomy and such things until the Spanish conquistadors took over their lower locations and they were forced to flee in hopes of protecting their secret place. I traveled for four days through the rugged Andes to reach this preserved place of architectural brilliance, and every second of it was worth it. I finally made my fifth grade ...

  North America North America was the perfect spot to kickoff my adventure outside of my hometown! I spent the day enjoying some of nature's finest creations in Arizona! Site 1: The Grand Canyon! Being one of the seven natural wonders of the world puts a lot of pressure on a place, but the Grand Canyon did not falter. It was one of the most beautiful, intricate places I've ever experienced, stretching 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. Each layer of colored rock has history intertwined within it. There were many indigenous people who took refuge in the canyon's nooks and crannies. They've found proof of civilizations left behind before the first Europeans took over. That's when the discovery journeys began. As each brave soul trekked through the Colorado river that whines the bends of the canyon, a map was created. Now as 6 million people visit this wonder each year just as I did, they see the history within the beautiful colors and turquoise waters. On the drive bac...

My name is Addison Lindow, and I am a Junior at Nevis High school, located in Nevis, Minnesota. Some of my favorite hobbies include trying new things, being active, appreciating art, and learning, so I'm ecstatic to share my adventures from around the world with you! Where I'm from, we have the Heartland Trail that extends 49 miles, lots of lakes, and a water tower that I designed in sixth grade. The perfect place to start an adventure!   This was me in sixth grade watching my design get painted on the water tower. This is my mom and I on the Heartland Trail Bridge.